Reigning champions Palmeiras debuted in the 2021 Brazil Cup with an alternative lineup against CRB; some of ours had been called up to serve their National Teams and other coach Abel chose to spare for the Brazilian League.
The starting formation didn’t feature the three defenders, but after some minutes seeing CRB better in the game, Felipe Melo retreated to centre-back position alongside Luan and Renan. The team improved and created some chances to score, Willian finally slotting home what would be the winner in the 42nd minute.
Palmeiras had time enough to increase the lead, but the team seemed pleased with having just the one-goal advantage for the return leg. The defense line was secure and Jailson barely had any trouble in the second half, that went on without emotions until the final whistle.
Line-up
Jailson; Luan, Felipe Melo (Michel) and Renan; Mayke, Lucas Lima (Raphael Veiga), Patrick de Paula, Scarpa (Zé Rafael) and Victor Luis; Rony (Wesley) and Willian (Luiz Adriano).
Luan and Patrick de Paula received yellow cards.
.
Green Light
The team didn’t play well, but as we always point out, the result is the most important thing in knockout competitions. While some teams lost to opponents that are in the fourth division, Palmeiras did their part and have the advantage of playing for a draw in the second leg.
Yellow Light
The Brazil Cup will only have VAR as of the round-of-16. Palmeiras yesterday was denied a valid goal against CRB: Willian saved a ball from crossing the deep end line and passed it to Patrick de Paula who scored, but the line referee incorrectly ruled the ball dead.
Red Light
The football displayed in the first 20 minutes was uninspiring and preoccupying. Many bad decisions, terrible passing and CRB much closer to opening the scorecard than Palmeiras.
Next Challenge
Palmeiras face Chapecoense at home on Sunday 6th for the Brazilian League. Chape was promoted last year after one season in the second division and comes from a defeat against Red Bull Bragantino at home in the opening round. Palmeiras are a huge favourite to bag the first win in the tournament even with all the pieces unavailable to Abel Ferreira.
Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
– – – ooo – – –
by Augusto Anteghini Oazi
*Here at Anything Palmeiras, we love football. We love Palmeiras. We are always keen to see Palmeiras play, and keen to write about it for you. But we’re against the return of football in a country that still hasn’t controlled the coronavirus pandemic. We express our deepest sympathy to the families whose loved ones have been taken by the disease.
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 